Dems Pick up Nine Legislative Chambers; GOP Picks up One

The wave that swept the Democrats into control of Congress manifested itself on the state level in the legislatures as well. Democrats took control of nine chambers, while Republicans picked up one. After Tuesday's election, the Democrats took control of the following chambers: Indiana House, Iowa House and Senate, Minnesota House, Michigan House, New Hampshire House and Senate, Oregon House, and Wisconsin Senate. Republicans picked up the Montana House.



Final results are still uncertain in the Pennsylvania House, where the Democrats hoped to regain control. As of Nov. 11, press reports indicated that Democrats had won 101 seats in the Pennsylvania House, the Republicans had won 99 seats and were leading in three other races.



As a result of the elections, Democrats will control both chambers in 23 legislatures, Republicans will control both in 15, and chambers will be split in 10 states. The total comes to 48 because of the uncertainty in Pennsylvania and Nebraska, which has a unicameral legislature.



Prior to the election, Republicans controlled both chambers in 20 legislatures, Democrats controlled both in 19, and chambers were split in 10 states.



With the party shift in governor's or legislative races, the Democrats now control the executive and legislative branches in 15 states (Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, and West Virginia). Republicans retain control of the executive and legislative branches in 10 states (Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah).